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The sequel adds a surprising trio of actors to the ensemble, including one whose inclusion has been rumoured for some time. That would be arguably the biggest "name" actor to sign on, Kurt Russell. He's joined by Elizabeth Debicki, and Chris Sullivan. They join previously announced newcomer Pom Klementieff.

However, Marvel and Disney haven't revealed exactly who they'll be playing. Klementioff is so strongly rumoured to be playing cosmic hero Mantis (she was also known as the "Celestial Madonna" in the comics, destined to birth a new level of existence or.... something) that it'd be more surprising if she wasn't at this point, while Russell seems like a lock to be playing Star-Lord's absent father, teased at the end of the first film.

Speaking of that errant paternal figure, the studio has also released the official synopsis: "Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage."

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The four new cast members join the returning core line up of Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax) and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel (Rocket Raccoon and Groot, respectively). Former Doctor Who companion Karen Gillen also returns as Nebula, along with Michael Rooker as space pirate Yondu, and Glenn Close as the commander of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic police force. The movie will once again be directed by James Gunn. "Official photography on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has started, and I couldn’t be more stoked," said Gunn. "My favorite movie as a small child was The Strongest Man in the World, so I’m glad to announce that, yes, Kurt Russell has joined our cast and, yes, he is more awesome a dude than I ever could have imagined." "The last few days around here with him and our other new cast members, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, and Chris Sullivan, have been some of the best of my life," Gunn continued. "I never thought anyone was missing from our island of misfit toys, but now that these folks are here there feels like there was. We’ll have more surprises for you in the coming months. But, for now, this will have to do."